US to Remove Web Gambling from WTO Accords – ANTIGUA & BARBUDA
The US has moved to “clarify” its commitments to the World Trade Organization, saying its ban on offshore Internet gambling isn’t part of its trade pledges, reports Bloomberg (May 5, 2007):
The US action follows rulings by WTO judges against its ban. Antigua & Barbuda successfully argued against congressional bans on US residents taking part in the estimated US$12 billion global business. “We did not intend and do not intend to have gambling as part of our services agreement” to the WTO, Deputy US Trade Representative John K. Veroneau said:
Antigua scored… “… our country lead a degradation of the system,” said James Jochum, a partner at the law firm of Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw LLP in Washington and former Bush administration official. Jochum represents the Antigua Online Gaming Association. “The implications…
Source: Caribbean Update, June 1, 2007